Back to the grind it is!!! Maker Monday folks, and this Monday we’re bringing you local puzzle extraordinaire, Marc Tschida from Press Puzzles!! Marc and I go way back…like, way way back; back when I was a copy girl at Kinko’s and he was a club promoter at Second Story (who remembers Second Story!?). Many years later Marc and I ran into one another again at a BEAD meeting, run by the incomparable Miah Michaelsen, and our paths will just forever be entwined. Marc is the maker of these fine puzzles we carry in the store, and also a prime player in everything that goes on with Cardinal Stage Company. Honestly, I’m sure you all know Marc already – he’s the tattooed guy that flirts with all the pretty ladies and makes you smile, even if you’re having the worst possible day. Thanks Marc!! And, away we go….
- Who are you, what is your business, and where are you from?
My name is Marc Tschida. I am the owner and founder of Press Puzzles. Press Puzzles is a Bloomington, IN based crafter of wooden jigsaw puzzles. Press Puzzles specializes in making Bloomington themed puzzles. I am a Midwesterner at heart who has been based out of Bloomington since the early 1990’s. Though I have spent short periods of time calling Oregon, California and Alaska home.
- How long have you been making?
While I have been making my living in the arts since the early 2000’s, it was not until mid 2013 that I began to make jigsaw puzzles.
- What is YOUR most favorite handmade item that you own?
A handcut wooden jigsaw puzzle made by an Italian cutter. This beautiful puzzle features intricate cut pieces that are reminiscent of steampunk design. So, while the cuts themselves are exemplary forms of fine craftsmanship – the image featured on the puzzle is a beautiful city scape of Florence created out of veneered woods.
- What is your ‘pie in the sky’ dream with your business/art?
My ‘pie in the sky’ vision of my business is to grow it to a point that it is my sole source of income and allowing me to work from home. In addition to supporting myself, I would like to have time left over each week to volunteer for some of my favorite performing arts organizations in Bloomington.
- Where do you draw your artistic inspiration from?
The people and events that happen in Bloomington, IN. My adopted home town.
- Share 3-5 links that everyone who Loves handmade should know about.
http://minervafinancialarts.com/ Minerva Financial Arts is a great resource for advice on the financial side of running an arts organization.
www.bloominglabs.org – The local makerspace - Tell us something fun and interesting about yourself or your business?
This fall, I will be fulfilling lifelong dream of interacting with Great White Sharks as I will be spending a week in mexico cage diving with White Sharks. This trip will be completely underwritten by the sales of a special shark themed puzzles that I began making in the fall of 2015.
Gather 